DHS To Proceed With Spy-Satellite Surveillance Program Despite Privacy Concerns

SANS Institute brings to light the story of a Department of Homeland Security program called the National Applications Office (NAO) proceeding with the first phase of a highly controversial satellite-surveillance program, despite not ensuring that the program will comply with privacy laws.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a non-classified but highly sensitive 60-page report that, according to one source says that the department

"lacks assurance that NAO operations will comply with applicable laws and privacy and civil liberties standards."

Through NAO, US government officials at the federal, state and local levels gain access to data gathered by spy satellites to help them with emergency response and domestic security concerns.

House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi and other Democrats asked Congress to freeze the money for the program until after the November election. However, the bill Congress approved and which President Bush signed into law Tuesday, allows the department to launch a limited version now.

See complete article in the Wall Street Journal.